Helmsman LLC

Helmsman LLC is a leading multi-disciplinary law firm servicing clients and partners in Asia, Greater China and further afield. Helmsman started as a dedicated shipping and commodities specialist practice and has grown to include practices such as commercial disputes, employment, corporate, banking and finance and intellectual property, trade mark and telecommunications and media

The firm routinely acts for clients in varied and high value commercial transactions and disputes across the world from their offices in Singapore and Hong Kong. The breadth of experience and deep expertise of their lawyers makes them the counsel of choice for the biggest corporations and industry stakeholders across the world.

SHIPPING:   Helmsman is dedicated  to all things maritime which inspired their name and anchors the practice - from the construction of vessels, their financing, sale and purchase, trading and employment, repair, conversion, and recycling. Helmsman ’s work spans from ship finance and mortgage enforcement, charterparties and bills of lading disputes, marine casualties, salvage and towage to insurance.

TRADE & COMMODITIES: Helmsman act across the spectrum of international trade, with a special focus on hard and  soft commodities including agricultural products, metals, coal, oil, gas, and LNG.  The firm’s  expertise spans both physical trading and commodity derivatives. The team of specialists are frequently instructed on both contentious and non-contentious matters.

COMMERCIAL DISPUTES: Helmsman’s Commercial Disputes Practice Group  services those who intent to proceed through a contention process. Our team of experts are able to provide assistance through a spectrum of straightforward, complex  or multi-jurisdictional commercial disputes with knowledge of the sensitive nature of the dispute and commercial intricacies involved. Helmsman team of experts are able to advocate  and represent in  Areas of speciality including banking and finance, fraud and asset recovery (including investigations), professional negligence, real estate, information technology and corporate disputes.

EMPLOYMENT:  The firm’s specialist team are able to assist clients with the basics of reviewing and drafting employment  contracts and disciplinary policies, to the more complicated issues such as  enforceability of restrictive covenants. When matters turn contentious, the firm is able to help employers and employees protect and enforce rights, particularly when issues of  wrongful dismissal or breach of contract arise. Termination of employment is often a  sensitive issue, and beyond legal guidance, the firm shares practical tips with  clients  on managing the termination process to mitigate subsequent litigation. Helmsman believes in fair practices, and are available to assist clients to help keep one’s rights and  obligations in clear focus, within companies and across jurisdictions.

CORPORATE, BANKING & FINANCE: Helmsman understand how singularly complex the business of finance and banking can be. The firm’s legal experts are sought by government, banks, institutions and businesses to advise on financial instruments and contracts, lease agreements, capital raising, building and procurement, fee negotiation and insurance, vessel mortgage enforcement and risk management for a wide range of maritime, offshore and port infrastructure assets and trade. Helmsman’s value add is the market insights that the firm have gained from the work in this area of practice, having had the experience of acting in transactions for a wide range of clients across a wide spectrum of contracts. This helps the firm to guide clients better to understand the issues faced and to provide viable solutions in an efficient timeframe. Helmsman also ensure the paperwork is watertight, and are present to act on behalf of clients should disputes arise.

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, TECHNOLOGY, AND MEDIA: The fundamental forces shaping modern innovation, serving as the foundation for business creations, progress, and regulatory structures. Key elements such as trademarks, copyrights, patents, and the law of confidence protect the identity and integrity of products, creative works, and inventions. These intangible assets not only hold significant commercial value but also define the identity of individuals and businesses, making their protection crucial. Our IP/TMT practice offers comprehensive advice and representation on various matters, ensuring clients navigate the complex and evolving landscape of technology and media effectively.

Helmsman LLC are well known for their user-friendly approach, and penchant for ‘plain practical advice’. Helmsman LLC is more than a law firm with only award -  winning lawyers who represents in court, arbitration or  mediation. The firm believes that knowing the letter of the law is one.  But being able to apply the law in a way that gets the  results is another, more valuable skill in its entirety.